Being a cute little island nation, for the regular beach goer, Taiwan’s number of beaches simply does not disappoint. All around the island are gorgeous beaches with crystal blue waters ready for a paddle or swim or sunbathing moment. You could spend weeks exploring them all. As a devoted beach goer, here are my top picks around the island.
Fulong Beach, Gongliao, New Taipei City
An hour and a half outside of Taipei, this beach is the perfect day trip for those living in the city’s capital. The beach is surrounded by the gorgeous mountainscape of Northeastern Taiwan, as well as a badass temple on the right hand side. There is a private beach over the bridge, which charges in peak times and is basically a gorgeous sand dune. If you’re looking for a free beach and a surf moment, head to the right side near the temple, and if you want an adventure, keep going left until the second bridge and follow the trail to the secret beach, which you’ll probably have all to yourself.
Waiao Beach, Toucheng, Yilan
An extra thirty minutes on the TRA will get you to Waiao, a much bigger beach with even bigger waves. Swimming here can be risky on windy days, but it’s a great spot for surfing. Guishan island is plopped at the horizon line, floating amongst the waves, and behind you are mountains if you get tired of the ocean view. There’s also a banging pizza and beer spot by the station for a post swim chill.
Qixingtan Beach, Xincheng Township, Hualien
This beach hands down has the best views of all of the beaches in Taiwan. The beachside cliffs are next level epic, and the water gleams with another sort of heavenly blue. It may be super pebbly, and pretty much impossible to swim, but a day here should not be missed, particularly if the weather’s good. You can grab a bus over here from the city easy. Definitely stop by here on an East coast trip.
Baisha Beach, Hengchun Township, Pingtung
I mean honestly, if you’re down here, any beach is going to serve you nicely. The south of Pingtung really has a certain tropical vibe to it, but this one is definitely the best. I mean, they filmed the final scene of Life of Pie here after all. In the middle of nowhere, this tropical beach has gorgeous golden sand and nice swimmable crystal clear waters. The sunset view might be one of the best in the world. The colours. The water. Everything. If you’re going to go to one beach on the list, go gogogogo.
Moon Bay, Anping District, Tainan
This sandy bay beach is surrounded by forest trails on a little island to the east of Tainan. You definitely lose the sense of the city here. It’s usually swimmable and a good spot to hang out with friends and watch the sunset off of the east coast. Although less scenic than the other beaches, it’s by Tainan, which is one of the best places to visit in Taiwan with its amazing food and crazy history. This beach is the perfect chill spot away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Loved my visit to Taiwan and hope to return sometime.